Fiction

Patchwork

Patchwork

The Honourable Mention in our Winter 2017–2018 Short Forms Contest. She did her eyebrows in seventh grade, her pubic hair in eighth. By grade nine she had found the sweet spot between total visibility and inconvenient stealth: the downy patches above each temple,...

Running a Balance (excerpt)

Running a Balance (excerpt)

The anonymous woman in bed beside me adamantly shakes my shoulder. She had a name last night. She must have, as part of my hook-and-line I complimented her “pretty name” and said, “it suits you.” Unless a woman’s name is Mavis, I normally compliment her pretty name....

Dead Amy

Dead Amy

Our 2017 Fiction Contest Honourable Mention. Dead Amy Amy could be heavy-handed with obscure trends like silver hair or emerald green lipstick but when she showed up for brunch that Sunday morning, it was plain as day that she was dead. She was gorgeous but years...

Shaughnessy

Shaughnessy

The eviction notice came in the middle of a long winter, on one of those afternoons when M just couldn’t warm up, no matter how many sweaters and blankets she piled on her shoulders. The eviction notice came in the middle of a long winter, on one of those afternoons...

The Weight of Ice

The Weight of Ice

They drove me for miles until the ground was a table of white. We passed a fox licking itself with such ferocity if we were ever to turn back I swear, its hide’d been bloody. They drove me for miles until the ground was a table of white. We passed a fox licking itself...

Narcisse

Narcisse

We meet in what I can only describe as a violent way, in that he spots me as we both watch the old man die in the middle of Portage Ave. We meet in what I can only describe as a violent way, in that he spots me as we both watch the old man die in the middle of Portage...

Garbage Girl

Garbage Girl

I’d been hoping for a kitchen full of balloons, a bouquet of flowers, all my favourite food. A hand-drawn banner: Welcome Home Tasha. Maybe even a Happy 14th Birthday, though my birthday wasn’t until tomorrow. I’d been away from my family all summer. I’d been hoping...

Best Practices for Time Travel

Best Practices for Time Travel

Doretta Lau is Room’s 2016 fiction contest judge. Who better than the judge herself to inspire you to get working on your contest entry? Read Lau's short story “Best Practices for Time Travel” below, from Room 38.3. Don't forget! The fiction contest closes July 15....

Jaan

Jaan

He was the first guy you dated who resembled anything you knew to be familiar. His moustache reminded you of your uncle so you told him to shave it, and he did. He told you not to speak so quickly. Pronounce the sounds of each word, he said. Exactly what your mother...

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ROOM 47.4 FULL CIRCLE
Step back with Room into the past, to parents, to childhood homes, and to people once known and loved; dig into themes of grief and healing; and ultimately explore what it means to come full circle in literature.

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